Etihad Airways launches the first direct flight between Calgary and Abu Dhabi

Etihad Airways' inaugural flight from Calgary to Abu Dhabi was cleared for takeoff Sunday on a Boeing 787-9, and media toured the aircraft before passengers boarded. The route is the only direct flight between Western Canada and the United Arab Emirates.

Lena Havia, Etihad's vice-president of alliances and joint ventures, said the route was announced earlier this year. She described the UAE as offering "year-round sunshine" and called Calgary the "gateway to the Canadian Rockies." Havia said the route links two energy hubs and makes leisure travel easier in both directions. It is part of Etihad's North American growth strategy, which already includes Toronto and six U.S. destinations.

Alberta's Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, Joseph Schow, said in a news release Sunday that the flight "demonstrates the demand from around the world to do business with Alberta." He called Alberta and the UAE "two of the world's foremost energy producers" with "great potential for collaboration and economic benefit." Schow said the link would make it easier for businesses, investors and travellers to connect, and would bring more opportunities for investment, trade and visitors.

The source does not give ticket prices, flight frequency, the schedule, passenger numbers for the inaugural flight, or any government estimate of economic impact.